Best book for simple and weekly menus...

[Judi-50-Calif]

Hello all...

Can someone either post a good book or their daily menu with a good balance raw diet and the times they eat? I need to follow a daily menu in order to make sure I am getting a good balance diet plan. My health is poor right now and I am weak and need a diet that I can post on my frig to check to make sure I am getting enough nutrient. I have noticed that I get busy or weak and forget to juice more veggies or eat some nuts, etc...and then I get so weak that I can't eat because I am not doing a planned scheduled hourly diet.

I have been transitioning for the past 2 months. I have been a healthy eater for over 20 yrs and always limited my meat intake. I am normally very healthy but due to a medical treatment I have to do things has changed for me greatly.

I found out Oct 2003 I contracted Hepatitis C after having a transfusion when I gave birth to my 24yr old daughter. When I was diagnosed in 2003 I started to be more serious about my diet and came across raw and juicing health. I finally bought a good juicer and blender two months ago and started out slow after reading about the detoxify issues that may happen to me. I am on a Chemo type of treatment for the past 19 weeks and will have to be on it for another 29 weeks...Yikes!! I have been getting some of the same side effect as the Cancer Chemo and have been anemic and losing some of my hair. In fact I am being monitored weekly with blood test because of the anemia is getting bad.

What I have been finding out lately is that because of my weakness I haven't been good about juicing enough or eating raw. I haven't bought a raw book except for winning a bid at eBay the Juiceman audio tape serious and Heinerman's "Encyclopedia of Healing Juices" for only a few dollars... I love them both but really need a book that has a good simple weekly menu that are not made with too many special hard to find items or that takes too much time. I would also love to see someone post their daily and weekly diet like what they eat and how many hours in between. I am not sure if I should juice or munch on nuts or sprouts, etc every two hours and how to make sure I am getting my daily intake of good stuff...

Thanks to anyone who can help in my search...

Judi

[JustMe]

Unfortunately, I do not have a menu for you as I am transitioning myself too, but I will recommend 2 things:

1. WHEATGRASS!!!!! It is basically like a healthy blood transfusion because the makeup of wheatgrass is similar to humans except for the core which is different. I cannot remember exactly. It is basically a blood builder which will definitely help you since you are on a chemo-type medication.

2. Alissa's Book!!! It will be great for recipes to choose from and she teaches you how to start with making a weekly recipe schedule of what to make, etc. In the meantime, you can check in the recipe section on here and find some recipes to try OR there are other sites that have lots of recipes: www.living-foods.com and www.fromsadtoraw.com

Hope this helps! Take Care.

[Judi-50-Calif]

Thanks for the support,

Wheat Grass in on the top of my daily juices.

Thanks for the tip on notification thing...I didn't know...

Judi

[Revvell]

I would also suggest Alissa's book AND vid. On the vid, she shows how easy it is to create luscious raw stuff.

Here's what I do ~

Find about 3 entrees. Add a couple of side dishes and/or soups and desserts. Write them down and the page they are on. Make a list of all the ingredients you will need. Go shopping!!!

When you get home, take the time to make at least one entree and a soup/dessert.

Just know this ~ you can eat soups, desserts and entrees at ANY time! I myself eat about 5-6 times a day. I eat whatever feels good to me at the time. I keep bell pepper, cukes and various fruits on the counter to munch. I do keep most of my nuts in the fridge. Keep large leafy greens in the fridge so when you get the urge to munch you can slice up some carrots, bell peppers, avocados and roll them up in a leaf. You can easily make a "cheese" combining cashews, macadamias, lemon juice, sweetener, salt (Bragg's or Nama Shoyu if you're into that) and enough water to blend. For a veggie dip, add garlic. For a fruit dip, add a few berries for color.

Might I suggest in order to save time and to add some bulk/fiber to your program, instead of juicing, take all the veggies and put them in your blender. Add some garlic and/or ginger for additional taste.

Injoy ~

Revvell

[Judi-50-Calif]

I think what is screwing me up some is getting more comfortable with mixing foods. So, what I do is not to mix anymore then 3 veggies or fruit mixes. Then, I am not sure how many hrs later I can eat or juice other things...so I go simple or I end up not eating and then get very weak.

Because it take some strength to just stand up and juice and clean up I like to keep it simply so trying out recipes I will only try when I am having a good day or wait when I am through with this treatment I am on. My appetite is not really big right now because of the treatment so I am just making sure I get it balanced with small meals and snacks more then recipes.

Does Alissa's book and DVD have an area that just has basic menu plans for a week that are simple? I appreciate your help and I would love to go out and buy several books and alissa's stuff but I had to resign my job in order to take off a year to do this treatment and money is limited. I also have put my money into quality juicer, blender and dehydrator to get started. I am also saving to get a food saver in order to freeze some juices to help when I don't have much energy.

Thanks for posting your plan and I would love to hear others with what their daily menus are...

Thanks for your support,

Judi

[Revvell]

You don't really need anything other than Alissa's book/dvd. It has soooo many good things and good information.

So, how is it you wait until you get weak before eating? Eat ANYtime you are hungry! IF you want to eat only grapes at one meal, do so! One hour later (or less, eat a veggie roll-up. 2 hours later, eat something else and so on.

Judi, this whole food program is called KISS. It is only as complicated as one makes it. Don't feel bad. Many others are doing the same as you ~ complicating the simple. Eat whenever you are hungry ~ whatever you want to eat ~ long as it's raw. IF you only want to combine 3 (or fewer) fruits! Cool! Better for your digestion!

Judi, you are going through too much now to be worried about what and when to eat. Get some good, healthy, organic (if you can) food into you. It will sort itself out.

Oh! and if you want to see what others are doing ~ go to the "Journal" section. That "should" help.

Revvell

[Gosia]

There are lots and lots of on-line raw recipes to choose from. I have listed several links to various recipes on my website, check them out, you might find them very useful.

My recent daily menu:
* Smoothie in the morning (2 cups of water, a handulf of soaked dates, several bananas and perhaps some other fruit, to make up about 1.5 l of liquid, which is how much fits in my blender - this feeds my 2+2 family)
* Later, until evening, fruit, any time I am hungry (so no regular time-pattern as such). Usually, one type of fruit at a time, eating until satisfied. Any fruit that I like and that is available at a local market.
* Evening, when I get home, I like to have a big salad. Later on, more fruit. Bananas keep me satisfied. We buy about 30 pounds of bananas every 3 days. I also like making recipe-meals in the evening, mainly for my children.

Good luck!
Gosia.

[Alissa]

Judi,
Someone on this board that wishes to remain anonymous just bought you my book and DVDs. also i would love to talk o you about the hep C. my husband is healing himself of it after being told he would die in a year if he didn’t do interferon treatments. It’s been 3 years and he is thriving and has the blood test to prove it. Please give me your address for the books and DVDS and contact me if you would like to talk about what Dennis has done to heal himself. Id be happy to give you all the info about what he is doing.

To the people on this board and miss anonymous,
You guys touch my heart more then words can say. Your so loving and giving WOW! What an amazing group of people!

[rawpriestess]

Hi,

I am so glad you are here, and I wish you healing.

What I usually eat in a day,

Breakfast is orange juice and sometimes some other fruit

Snack (if I have it) is usually some more orange juice and maybe some greek olives

Lunch is usually (in Alissa's recipe book) 3 or 4 pesto stuffed mushrooms, or maybe an enchilada, or a salad, or a burger.

Snack is usually some greek olives, and maybe some veggies

Dinner (if I've eaten a heavy lunch like burgers or mushrooms--all raw of course), then I will have a salad, or maybe a taco salad, which is a pizza wrap as a tortilla, and a 1/4 to a 1/2 burger patty as the Fake meat, and then alot of lettuce, and tomatoes,and some cashew sour cream and some fresh pico de gallo, or I might have some rawviolies and marinara sauce, or maybe the zucchini spaghetti

There are so many wonderful recipes in her book, it is so nice that you will be receiving it.

But, take what "feels" right to you and your healing, and leave the rest.

But, you will find that raw food will help in your healing, and in helping you feel so much better, especially with your energy level.

Blessings, and healings to you,
Rawpriestess

[Sweet lips]

What a friend and board of people - you guys make me heart flutter at the random acts of kindness and the kind words.

Judi, when I first shared what was going on with me, Alissa advised me to reach out for my healing and not shut myself away - and for you I am glad that you have reached out on this board. Please keep a journal for you, but also to inspire others. There are many great journals out here, and I think you might like to read CatherinetheGreat's journal, and also Todd's on from www.fromsadtoraw.com - go back to last year, and see how he eats - it is simple to follow because he eats simple. Alissa is right, when I get down I re-read Dennis's (her husband) to me his miracle healing - it gives me so much encouragement.

I too have Heinerman's "Encyclopedia of Healing Juices" which I just pulled out recently for review and find it is good as a reference. I am glad you said you do wheatgrass and also I would suggest if you like carrot juice and carrot and apple with a little ginger.

As RawPriestess says - follow you heart - manifestation follows intention - and you have provided your intention to heal. Give yourself permission to love you beyond measure and allow yourself the freedom to go through this journey, it is only for such as a time as this for you to look deep within your soul to learn more about you. I honestly feel that this is what the cycle of illness and healing is about - sometime people stop at the illness, but you won't, you have been given an opportunity to celebrate your life. I will lift your name in prayer, and that of your family

Love and Blessings - Walk in the light!

[RawTruth]

Judi -- last month I asked the board to list what they typically ate in a day. This was for my friend who wanted to go raw but wanted more than just my ideas (even though she had Alissa's book & DVD ... but that's another story!).

Reading through that thread might be helpful to you:
http://rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2757

What Revvell wrote is so absolutely true -- I hope it's helped you.

My thoughts are with you; I have no doubt that going 100% raw can set you on the path to healing. It would be miraculous if it weren't so darn practical, natural, and the fact that it makes total sense that our body can heal itself.

[Pink_Berry]

i just wanted to say.. you are one beautiful mama!!!

[Judi-50-Calif]

I wish I was a better writer and could express my words and thoughts in writing...Thanks you so much anonymous Angel for the gift from your heart...Your gift brought tears to my eyes...I am so excited and can't wait to receive your wonderful gift.

My husband and I have done this many times in the past because we like to give back to the life force which gave us the good fortune in our life...I just never had this happen to me...I just can't wait to tell my husband when he gets home from work....

It made my day...and Fridays are bad for me because it is my weekly Shot day and I still haven't embraced them because it makes me feel worse then normal for the whole weekend. My two miracle daughters always say to me on Friday mornings "sorry mom it is Friday".

Thank you and all who posted their support and menus...

Judi

[Sparkle]

Alissa's book is the best and I'm so happy you're getting a copy. I also want to mention another book that I just love. It's called "How to live the Aloha Joy Raw Food Diet" by Christopher Westra - you can do a google search. I was a little put off by the "typical sales pitch" but I have found the book really valuable for simple recipes and ways to incorporate raw food into your life. He and his family are raw so he talks about including his children in making fun recipes. And he talks about how his typical day/menu is which does really help me.

Mostly, as others have stated, don't get overwhelmed by all the information and recipes. Raw food is truly the simplest diet in the world. I hate cooking/preparing foods and that's why this lifestyle appeals to me so much.

I send you the warmest wishes for quick healing.

[Judi-50-Calif]

I have to agree about the simplicity of raw food eating.

I was looking for a menu plan that I can post up on my frig so I can follow it because I am not hungry and I have little energy. I was kind of desperate when I posted this thread because everything right now seems hard to do and my mind is more overwhelmed then before TX...

Because of this strong treatment it has taken an energetic soul to a weak lifeless person. I read about this happening but until it happens to you it is hard to believe. However; the main thing right now for me it is working so I have to keep pushing on.

Yesterday at 5 pm my Dr called and told me that my Thursday blood work went into the danger area and if I get to feeling really sick or fever over the weekend then to rush to the hospital and if not to come in to see him Monday morning to do new blood work and we will talk about what he can do to help the severe anemia...I was a little stunned by his call...and had a sleepless night but woke up this morning thinking positive. Thank God my husband is home and he has been caring for me by juicing and making salads with nuts. I can't wait to get this treatment over with...I feel as thou I am a 1/3 of the person then before. Sorry I am going on and on...

Thanks again for the book tip and I will do a googles on it...I can't wait to get Alissa's book so I can start to put a better menu plan and schedule.

Judi

[jmo]

Judi my friend hang in there!

I also agree with Revvell. Keep it simple. right now there's way to much going on for you to worry about everything else. The most important thing I've learned is to listen to your body! It knows what it needs.

Drink as much water as you can to get the toxins out. I know it may seem as if your floating away at times, but I truley believe water is the key to staying healthy.

I hope you feel better

Wer'e all here for you,

Cam

[Lara]

To all of you on this raw board,
I am awe of you. It brought tears to my eyes, the absolute selflessness and love and caring that each of you bring to help one another. Most of us have never met in person, and may never meet, yet the kindness and compassion is just so abundant here, it just overflows through the Internet!
You all give me hope for a peaceful world.
Love and many blessings to you beautiful people,
Lara

[VeganVixen]

To all of you on this raw board,
I am awe of you. It brought tears to my eyes, the absolute selflessness and love and caring that each of you bring to help one another. Most of us have never met in person, and may never meet, yet the kindness and compassion is just so abundant here, it just overflows through the Internet!
You all give me hope for a peaceful world.
Love and many blessings to you beautiful people,
Lara


:) The power of raw never ceases to create beautiful people ;)

[Judi-50-Calif]

Thanks all again...I received Allissa's kit yesterday but my husband didn't check our mail box until this a.m. I am so excited and just did a go over and love what I am seeing.

I have already been emailed by someone here regarding HepC treatment and their experience with this treatment...and the encouragement that life does get better after treatment. It was so comforting to read that they too developed severe anemia and had to do added injection of other Medication to help them get thought this treatment...I am so happy that I shared here. This forum is such a blessing.

I have made it through another day and look forward to seeing my Dr Tomorrow a.m. so he can do something about this anemia...It gets hard when I have two small children to still be a mom too and a husband that until my Dr called Friday didn't realize I was suffering as much as I have been. However; I do understand because until a person goes through this it is hard for others to understand.

Thanks again all for your support...you all are such a blessing

Judi

[Revvell]

Judi,

I am sooooo glad you've been able to receive the book and vid.

I was just checking through my posts and it seems I did not address the iron deficiency issue here. (If I did and just can't see it, please forgive me).

Here's what I learned a long time ago ~ Take dried dark fruits such as Thompson seedless raisins, prunes (especially) and/or black Mission Figs. Soak them overnight (or all day). Eat the fruit, drink the juice. Make sure they are organic if possible yet, NO sulfites at the very least. Also, very dark lettuces such as chard and kale have iron in them. I use them daily in a blended green drink (fresh squeezed orange juice, banana, strawberries and green leafy veggies ~ or any combination thereof including apples, pears and other berries).

Taking iron pills might help at one point yet, most folk I know who have done it, usually end up constipated. I believe there was a post on this somewhere else.

Anyway, I wish you the best. I would so love to see a major turn-around in your health. Please keep us posted.

Regards,

Revvell

[Judi-50-Calif]

I have been focusing on veggies and fruit that would normally help with anemia for the last few weeks when I started to get really weak. I have a feeling I would be worse if I didn't do that. I like your suggestion of dark sun dried fruits...I did get some prunes and apricots last week to eat when I have a sweet tooth but didn't think about them being good for anemia.

I think I will have to focus on juices and dried fruit until I get the medication to give me strength. I can't wait to feel better so I can make some of the wonderful recipes I saw on Allissa's DVD...I just loved watching her make the recipes. I have seen many recipes on sites but I find that it seems much easier to make when you see someone making them. Great Job Allissa!!

I do have a question for you if you have the answer. In one of her recipes she used soaked almonds it looked as if she still had the brown skins on when she processed them. The recipes I haved used before says to remove the skins before making them because it makes the recipe taste bitter. I usually have my husband and two girls help me peel the almond skin off so it gets done faster.

Thanks again for your support, I am going to get back to reading more of her recipes...

Judi

[Revvell]

Unless the recipe calls for it, I never peel the almonds. I make almond milk with the skins on. I have read recipes for almond milk where they say to blanch the almond, then peel it. I don't find that necessary. I was interested in reading another post where someone said to add sweetner to almond milk. I've never found it necessary. Could be, folk are not using organic almonds. *shrugs* I dunno. Hmmm, thinking what would make almond skins bitter. Old almonds? Not sure. I've not experienced it.

Doesn't Alissa have some good info in her book? Orrrrrr have you not gotten there yet? lol Food!!!! :)

Revvell

[Judi-50-Calif]

I have been flipping through the book and just love it.

I will try the almonds with the skins next time. I do make the almond milk I haven't put anything in it to sweeten it. I have to for my girls because they didn't embrace the plain milk.

I pray that the Dr gives me something tomorrow...I have a hard time standing for anymore then a minute...those darn insurance companies won't give you anything to help until it gets really bad.

thanks again,

Judi

[VeganVixen]

I get ya , cant stand insurance companies either !!!!!!

[bellamausi]

I'm new to this forum as well, and it is just wonderful to see all those caring people!

I wish you and your family all the best as well! Where in CA are you from? Just curious, because I just moved from Simi Valley, CA to Dallas, OR.

[Judi-50-Calif]

I live in the Inland Empire Area...that is what they call the area. San Bernardino County. I live about a 1 1/2 hour from Big Bear. OR is a beautiful state to move too...

Judi